12,000 camels compete in races for valuable prizes

(Scroll down for video) If you like horse racing you would probably be fascinated by camel racing.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has offered valuable prizes for racing camels that competed last July in preparation for the new racing season.

The camel races were held on 30 camel racing tracks around the country for four weeks during which about 12,000 camels competed in the Mohammed bin Zayed competition for the qualification of camel racing. Organizers say the event will be held each year before the summer season for camel racing.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Emirates Camel Racing Association, paid tribute to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous support for the sports heritage. He also praised Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for his kind gesture.

"The sport of camel racing has seen overwhelming participation with the support of Sheikh Mohammed for the sports associated heritage," said Shaikh Sultan.